The States 07

When did Illinois officially join the United States as a state?

• December 3, 1818

• January 9, 1788

• July 10, 1890

• December 10, 1817

Answer explanation

Illinois officially became a state on December 3, 1818. This date marks its admission to the United States, making it the 21st state, while the other options are incorrect dates.

Which state is known as the “Constitution State”?

• Illinois

• Connecticut

• Nevada

• Mississippi

Answer explanation

Connecticut is known as the "Constitution State" due to its Fundamental Orders of 1638-1639, which were considered by some as the first written constitution that created a government. This nickname reflects its historical significance.

What is the nickname of Wyoming?

• The Silver State

• The Cowboy State

• The Battle Born State

• The Land of Lincoln

Answer explanation

Wyoming is nicknamed 'The Cowboy State' due to its association with cowboy culture and the ranching industry, which are significant aspects of its history and identity.

What was the significance of the Charter Oak incident in Connecticut’s history?

• It marked the beginning of Connecticut’s shipbuilding industry.

• It symbolized the state’s resistance to English control.

• It led to the creation of the Fundamental Orders.

• It was the site of the first hamburger sale.

Answer explanation

The Charter Oak incident symbolized Connecticut's resistance to English control, as it involved the hiding of the colony's charter in the oak tree to prevent its seizure by the English authorities, reflecting the desire for self-governance.

How did the Comstock Lode impact Nevada’s development?

• It led to the legalization of gambling in the state.

• It caused Nevada to become a territory and later a state.

• It resulted in the construction of Hoover Dam.

• It attracted tourists to Area 51.

Answer explanation

The Comstock Lode, a major silver discovery, spurred population growth and economic development, leading to Nevada's designation as a territory in 1861 and its eventual statehood in 1864.

What role did Mississippi’s climate play in its economy during the 19th and early 20th centuries?

• It supported the growth of the insurance industry.

• It made the state ideal for cotton production.

• It attracted tourists to the Mississippi Delta.

• It enabled the development of the blues music genre.

Answer explanation

Mississippi's warm, humid climate was ideal for cotton cultivation, making it a leading cotton-producing state in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This agricultural focus significantly shaped its economy.

Why might Abraham Lincoln’s choice of cavalry broadswords in his duel with James Shields be considered a strategic decision?

• It ensured the duel would be legally permitted in Illinois.

• It leveraged Lincoln’s physical advantage to avoid violence.

• It was a common weapon choice for political duels at the time.

• It was meant to honor Shields’ Irish heritage.

Answer explanation

Lincoln's choice of cavalry broadswords allowed him to use his height and reach advantage, potentially minimizing the risk of serious injury, thus making it a strategic decision to avoid violence.

How did the insurance industry in Connecticut evolve to support major American developments?

• By insuring ships against pirate attacks during the 18th century.

• By providing specialized protection for large-scale projects like the Hoover Dam.

• By creating policies for the cotton industry in the South.

• By insuring the first nuclear submarines during the Cold War.

Answer explanation

The insurance industry in Connecticut evolved by providing specialized protection for large-scale projects like the Hoover Dam, which was crucial for supporting major American developments in infrastructure and economy.

What factors likely contributed to the decline of the Cahokia civilization in Illinois, and why is this considered a mystery?

• Warfare with neighboring tribes; it’s a mystery due to lack of written records.

• Resource depletion and environmental strain; it’s a mystery because the exact causes are unknown.

• Invasion by European settlers; it’s a mystery due to conflicting archaeological evidence.

• Disease outbreaks; it’s a mystery because no human remains were found.

Answer explanation

The decline of the Cahokia civilization is attributed to resource depletion and environmental strain, which led to unsustainable living conditions. It's considered a mystery because the precise causes remain unknown.